The purpose of this section is to further an overall plan for the enhancement of public safety, consistent community development, preservation of property values, and the general welfare of the City while providing for the communication needs of the residents and businesses in the City. This section governs the placement of these facilities to:
A. 
Facilitate the provision of wireless telecommunication services to the residents and businesses of the City;
B. 
Encourage operators of antenna facilities and antennas to locate them in areas where the adverse impact on the community is minimal;
C. 
Encourage Co-Location on both new and existing Antenna Facilities;
D. 
Encourage operators of Antenna Facilities to configure them in a way that minimizes the adverse visual impact through careful design, landscape screening, and innovative stealth techniques; and
E. 
Enhance the ability of wireless telecommunication providers to provide services to the community effectively and efficiently.
(Ordinance 2017-13 adopted 10/2/2017)
The following regulations apply to all Antenna Facilities located within any district of the incorporated limits of the City and within the ETJ upon a City-approved Development Agreement.
A. 
Applicability. Except as specifically provided, all new Telecommunications Towers or Antennas in the City shall be subject to the regulations contained in these regulations. Preexisting Towers and Preexisting Antennas lawfully in existence as of October 16, 2007 shall not be required to meet the requirements of these regulations, other than those contained in subsections 9 and 11 below.
1. 
Equipment Storage Building. An Equipment Storage Building or Structure associated with Antenna Facilities or an Antenna shall be screened and landscaped as described in other sections of this ordinance, or be incorporated into the stealth treatment so that it is consistent and complementary with the existing structures and uses on the premises. Each Equipment Storage Building or Structure or cabinet must be made of Masonry material or enameled metal. Alternative materials may be permitted upon recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission and approval by the City Council. The base of all tower facilities must be screened with a masonry wall that will completely screen the Equipment Storage Building or Structure (Pertaining to Wireless Facilities).
2. 
Driveway Surfaces. All Telecommunications Tower Facilities must have an access drive that is constructed of asphalt or concrete. One (1) off-street parking space must be provided at each Telecommunications Tower Facility.
3. 
Lights. No outdoor lighting shall be allowed on Antenna Facilities except lights or lighting that is by required by the Federal Aviation Administration or the Federal Communications Commission.
4. 
Antenna Facility Capacity. All new Antenna Facilities must be structurally designed to allow for at least two (2) sets of antennas.
5. 
Tower Types. Only monopole, alternative mounting structures or Stealth Facility towers are permitted in the City.
6. 
Prohibited in Easements. Antenna Facilities shall not be placed in easements unless authorized by the easement holder.
7. 
Construction Standards. A building permit must be obtained prior to the construction or installation of Antenna Facilities. Antenna Facilities must be installed according to the manufacturer's recommendations and under the seal of a professional engineer registered in the State of Texas. Additionally, all Antenna Facilities shall comply with applicable state and local building codes.
8. 
Building Codes/Safety Standards. To ensure the structural integrity of Antenna Facilities, the owner of the facility must ensure that it is maintained in compliance with all provisions of the City building code and zoning regulations. If upon inspection, the City concludes that an Antenna Facility fails to comply with such codes and regulations or constitutes a danger to persons or property, then upon written notice to the owner of the Antenna Facility, the owner shall have thirty (30) days to bring such tower into compliance with applicable standards. Failure to bring such tower into compliance shall constitute grounds for the removal of the Antenna Facility at the owner's expense. This notice requirement shall not preclude immediate action by the Building Official as allowed by law if public safety requires such action.
9. 
Contained on Property. No part of an Antenna Facility may extend beyond the property lines or required building lines of the lot on which the Antenna Facility is located.
10. 
State or Federal Requirements. All Antenna Facilities must meet or exceed current standards and regulations of the FAA, the FCC, and any other agency of the state or federal government with the authority to regulate towers and antennas. If such standards and regulations are changed, and if the controlling state or federal agency mandates compliance, then the towers and antennas must be brought into compliance with such revised standards and regulations within six (6) months of the effective date of such standards and regulations, unless a different compliance schedule is mandated by the controlling state or federal agency.
11. 
Antenna Variance. An Antenna Variance granted by the Board of Adjustment, following the procedure and requirements outlined in 2.11.03. Zoning Variance, is required for an Antenna Facility that will not comply with the requirements of this section unless otherwise specified herein.
12. 
Height Limitations. Unless otherwise stated herein or required by the FCC, the maximum height of any Antenna Facility shall not exceed ten (10) feet above the maximum height limitation applicable for the zoning district.
(Ordinance 2017-13 adopted 10/2/2017)
A. 
Amateur Radio Antenna and TV Antennas. Amateur Radio Antennas and TV Antennas are allowed as accessory uses in the Residential Zoning Districts or any residentially zoned Planned Development (PD) district. Amateur Radio Antennas and TV Antennas must comply with the following regulations:
1. 
Antenna Facility Location. Amateur Radio Antennas and TV Antennas can only be located on a roof or in the back yard of a residence.
2. 
Number of Facilities per Lot. No more than one (1) TV Antenna and one (1) Amateur Radio Antenna are permitted on each lot. Amateur Radio Antennas are only permitted for operators that have an amateur radio operator license from the FCC and the operator must provide the City proof of a current FCC license before an Amateur Radio Antenna is installed or maintained on a lot.
3. 
Height Limitations. An Amateur Radio Antenna or a TV Antenna shall not extend more than eight (8) feet above the maximum height limitation applicable for the zoning district.
4. 
Setbacks. Amateur Radio Antennas or TV Antennas are not permitted within any required setback area.
B. 
Satellite Receive-Only Antennas Less Than One Meter in Diameter. Satellite Receive-Only Antennas, one (1) meter or less in diameter shall be permitted as an accessory use in the Residential Zoning Districts or any residentially zoned Planned Development (PD) district. Satellite Receive-Only Antennas must comply with the following regulations:
1. 
Antenna Facility Location. Satellite Receive-Only Antennas less than one (1) meter in diameter can only be located on a roof or in the back yard of a residence.
2. 
Number of Facilities per Lot. No more than one (1) Satellite Receive-Only Antenna less than one (1) meter in diameter is permitted on each lot.
3. 
Height Limitations. A Satellite Receive-Only Antenna less than one (1) meter in diameter cannot extend more than eight (8) feet above the maximum height limitation applicable for the zoning district.
4. 
Setbacks. Satellite Receive-Only Antennas less than one (1) meter in diameter are not permitted within any required setback area.
C. 
Satellite Antennas Greater Than One Meter in Diameter. A Satellite Antenna greater than one (1) meter in diameter is permitted as an accessory use under the following conditions:
1. 
Nonresidential Zoning Districts. Satellite Antennas greater than one (1) meter in diameter is an accessory use permitted by right in Nonresidential Zoning Districts.
2. 
Residential Zoning Districts. Satellite Antennas greater that one (1) meter in diameter are only allowed in Residential Zoning Districts upon the approval of a Special Exception granted by the Board of Adjustment.
3. 
Height. Satellite Antennas greater than one (1) meter in diameter shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height above the base of their mount.
4. 
Location. Satellite Antennas greater than one (1) meter in diameter cannot be erected in any required setback or in the front of residential structures.
5. 
Screening. Satellite Antennas greater than one (1) meter in diameter that are mounted on the ground shall be screened from view from adjoining properties by solid fencing or evergreen plants to a height of a least six (6) feet.
D. 
Co-Location.
1. 
Co-Location of Antenna Facilities is encouraged, subject to the following conditions:
a. 
The height of a single Antenna Facility is not increased,
b. 
The Antenna Facility impact level under section 4.03.05, is not changed, and
c. 
No alterations to the structural strength or stability of the tower, such as the addition of guy wires or other reinforcement, are necessary.
2. 
Co-Location Applications must be processed within sixty (60) days of receipt by the City Manager. All other Applications must be processed within one hundred fifty (150) days of receipt by the City Manager. The time period for processing Applications may be extended beyond ninety (90) or one hundred fifty (150) days by mutual consent of the personal wireless service provider and the City Manager.
3. 
If the City Manager finds that an Application is incomplete as filed, the City Manager shall notify the Applicant within thirty (30) days that their Application is incomplete. When incomplete Applications are filed, the sixty (60) or one hundred fifty (150) day time period is tolled and does not include the time that the Applicant takes to respond to the City Manager's request for additional information. The Applicant shall respond to any request for additional information by the City Manager within sixty (60) days.
Table 39. Facilities and Required Waivers
Type of Facility
New Antenna Facility
Co-Location on Existing Facility
Waiver?
Waiver?
Satellite Receive Only < 1 meter
No
No
Satellite Antenna > 1 meter in Commercial Area
No
No
Satellite Antenna > 1 meter in Residential Area
Yes
No
Amateur Radio Antenna Complying with Height Limits
No
No
Amateur Radio Antenna Exceeding Height Limits
Yes
No
Television Antennas
No
No
Level 1 S.F in FC, UR, WC or DR District
No
No
Level 2 S.F in FC, UR or WC District
No
No
Level 2 S.F in DR District
Yes
No
Level 3 S.F in FC, UR or WC District
No
No
Level 3 S.F in DR District
Yes
No
Level 4 S.F in FC or UR District
No
No
Level 4 S.F in WC or DR District
Yes
No
Monopole Tower up to 120' in Height in FC, UR or WC District
Yes
No
Monopole Towers In DR Districts or Over 120' in Height
Yes
No
Note: Building permit may be required in accordance with the City's adopted building codes.
(Ordinance 2017-13 adopted 10/2/2017)
This section does not apply to Amateur Radio Antennas, TV Antennas, and Satellite Receive-Only Antennas. For the purpose of determining the appropriate locations for the placement of antenna facilities, the City is divided into land use threshold areas that establish different regulations pertaining to height, location, and type of Antenna Facility. These land use thresholds are defined as follows:
A. 
Full Commercial ("FC"). Property within any of the Nonresidential Zoning Districts or any nonresidentially zoned Planned Development (PD).
B. 
Undeveloped Residential ("UR"). Property within any of the Residential Zoning Districts or any residentially zoned Planned Development (PD) that:
1. 
Is not a part of a recorded subdivision; or
2. 
Is a part of a recorded subdivision but has not had a building permit issued for a residential structure; and
3. 
Not located within the calculated limits of the Developed Residential ("DR") threshold.
C. 
Wireless Corridors ("WC"). Property within, and one hundred fifty (150) feet either side of, the Right-of-Way of a freeway or a major or minor Arterial Street, as indicated on the City's Thoroughfare Plan.
D. 
Developed Residential ("DR").
1. 
Land within any of the Form Districts (F1, F2, F3, F3H, F4, F4H, F5, F5H), or
2. 
Property within any of the Residential Zoning Districts or any residentially zoned Planned Development (PD) that:
a. 
Is a recorded subdivision that has had at least one building permit for a residential structure; or
b. 
Is within six hundred (600) feet of areas described in a above.
E. 
Setbacks for Antenna Facilities. A communications tower shall be set back from Right-of-Ways and adjacent properties in accordance with the following minimum setback requirements. Consideration toward reducing the setback shall require specifications as to the engineered "fall" characteristics of a tower and the nature of neighboring land uses. A reduction in setbacks may be granted based upon location within the above identified threshold areas, location of nearest structure, height of the tower, height of any individual section of the tower, the height of the tower structure upon collapse.
1. 
For new ground-mounted tower proposal sites where the allowed zoning district is adjacent to a residentially-zoned district or residential use, such tower shall not be located closer than three hundred (300) feet from the property line of a residential use or from a residential zoning boundary and not be higher than one hundred (100) feet at that distance. For every additional foot of height proposed, the tower shall be setback an additional one (1) foot.
2. 
For proposals extending the height of an existing ground-mounted tower that does not require modification to the existing tower foundation, where the allowed zoning district is adjacent to a residentially-zoned district or residential use, such tower shall not be located closer than the fall zone distance, defined as the entire height of the ground-mounted tower plus an additional 30 feet, from the property line of a residential use or from a residential zoning boundary.
3. 
Towers shall be setback a minimum of one hundred (100) feet from a public Right-of-Way classified as a major collector or of a larger classification. For a public Right-of-Way classified smaller than a major collector, the minimum setback shall be fifty (50) feet. The classification of streets, roads and highways shall be in accordance with the thoroughfare plan, as amended.
F. 
General Design Requirements for Antenna Facilities.
1. 
Any mast, pole, structure, tower, building, equipment, and other supporting material for Antenna Facilities shall be painted in earth tone colors. Exposed or galvanized metal shall be prohibited.
2. 
All ancillary structures associated with such towers or poles, including but not limited to an Equipment Storage Building or Structure Equipment Storage Building or Structure (Pertaining to Wireless Facilities), shall be designed in accordance with Subsection 2.09. Zoning Development Regulations.
3. 
All Antenna Facilities shall be landscaped and screened in accordance with Subsection 2.09, Zoning Development Regulations.
(Ordinance 2017-13 adopted 10/2/2017)
For the purpose of determining appropriate locations for Antenna Facilities, the City recognizes differing levels of impact for Antenna Facilities depending upon physical location and land use compatibility. These Antenna Facility impact levels are described as follows:
A. 
Monopole. A monopole tower requires a Waiver. The antenna equipment may not extend more than five (5) feet above the highest point on the monopole.
Figure 65. Monopole Tower
B. 
Level 4 Stealth Facility. The antenna on a Level 4 Stealth Facility is located on an existing structure (other than a telecommunications tower) including, but not limited to, a building, water tower, utility tower, steeple, or light pole. The Antenna is neither screened nor hidden. For the purpose of this level, a pole or tower may be reconstructed to structurally hold the Antenna but the height of the structure shall not be increased.
Figure 66. Level 4 Stealth Facility
C. 
Level 3 Stealth Facility. The antenna on a Level 3 Stealth Facility is located on an existing structure (other than a telecommunications tower) including, but not limited to, a building, water tower, utility tower, steeple, or light pole. The Antenna shall be painted, constructed, or applied with material so that it is incorporated into the pattern, style, and material of the structure to effectively render the Antenna unnoticeable. A new structure may be constructed to hold or house the antenna or equipment; however, the structure must be consistent with the overall architectural features of the primary buildings.
Figure 67. Level 3 Stealth Facility
D. 
Level 2 Stealth Facility. The antenna on a Level 2 Stealth Facility is attached to the structure in such a manner that if it is seen it appears unrecognizable as an antenna, and the structure in which or on which the antenna is attached is an integral part of an overall development.
Figure 68. Level 2 Stealth Facility
E. 
Level 1 Stealth Facility. The antenna on a Level 1 Stealth Facility is attached to the structure in such a manner that the antenna is completely unseen and the structure in which or on which the antenna is attached is an integral part of an overall development.
Figure 69. Level 1 Stealth Facility
(Ordinance 2017-13 adopted 10/2/2017)
Antenna Facilities shall be located in accordance with the following siting matrix. This matrix provides for areas where Antenna Facilities may be located as permitted uses and areas where they may be located with an Antenna Location Waiver.
Table 40. Antenna Facility Siting Matrix
Facility Type
FC
WC
UR
DR
Monopole over 120'
Waiver
Waiver
Waiver
Waiver
Monopole up to 120'
Waiver
Waiver
Waiver
Waiver
Level 4 Stealth Facility
Permitted
Permitted
Waiver
Waiver
Level 3 Stealth Facility
Permitted
Permitted
Waiver
Waiver
Level 2 Stealth Facility
Permitted
Permitted
Permitted
Waiver
Level 1 Stealth Facility
Permitted
Permitted
Permitted
Waiver
(Ordinance 2017-13 adopted 10/2/2017)
A. 
Application. In order to be considered complete for purposes of evaluation, an Application to locate Antenna Facilities or Antennas that requires an Antenna Location Waiver must follow the approval process for a Zoning Special Exception and include the following information:
1. 
An Antenna Location Waiver Application and appropriate fee.
2. 
A narrative detailing the proposed Antenna Facility. The narrative must indicate the following:
a. 
Whether the proposed structure is a Co-Location, a new monopole tower or a new alternate mounting structure.
b. 
The height of the proposed tower. Where site conditions permit, the Applicant shall conduct a balloon test within two (2) weeks of Application submittal. This test shall consist of raising balloons to a height equal to the proposed tower. The balloons should be of a color material that provides maximum visibility. The Applicant shall notify the Development Services Director of the time of the balloon test at least two (2) days before the test is to occur to allow staff to conduct field visits during the test.
c. 
Reason the Antenna Facility is necessary at the proposed location.
d. 
The name(s) of the telecommunications providers or other users of the Antenna or tower and describe the use to be made by each user;
e. 
Whether the Applicant has made an effort to Co-Locate the facilities proposed for this Antenna Facility on existing Antenna Facilities in the same general area. Identify the location of these existing sites, and describe in detail these efforts and explain in detail why these existing sites were not feasible.
f. 
Indicate whether the existing sites allow/promote Co-Location and, if not, describe why not.
g. 
Whether Co-Location will be allowed to other telecommunications providers at the requested site.
h. 
Whether camouflage technology is an appropriate option for the site. If it is an option, provide a complete description of the suggested camouflage, including style and materials to be used, a photographic depiction of the proposed facility, and a maintenance plan detailing provisions for the continued effectiveness of the suggested camouflage for the life of the facility. If it is not an option, state every reason and the basis of each reason.
3. 
Provide a site plan of the proposed Antenna Facility at a scale of 1" = 30'. The site plan should be on a single 24" X 36" sheet and include:
a. 
A survey and legal description of the proposed Antenna Facility;
b. 
A detail on how access to the site is to be achieved;
c. 
A plan view layout of the proposed Antenna Facility clearly showing:
d. 
The location of the facility,
e. 
All equipment and structures in the proposed Antenna Facility,
f. 
The required off street parking space,
g. 
Distances to property lines, including adjacent land uses and zoning structures,
h. 
Required setbacks,
i. 
Location of all buildings and structures within three hundred (300) feet,
j. 
Existing structures on the site,
k. 
Required landscaping or screening of the base of the tower,
l. 
All recorded and proposed easements, and
m. 
Natural features, such as water courses and trees.
4. 
Elevation drawings showing:
a. 
The design and height of the proposed Antenna Facility.
b. 
Detailed drawings of all structures and equipment, including Photo-Simulation.
c. 
Screening requirements.
d. 
All requirements specified in Wireless Antenna Facility Special Exception Request Site Plan Check List (refer to the City's Development Process Administrative Manual)
5. 
If the requested location is in a Residential Zoning District, the Applicant must provide evidence that they have made an effort to locate the facility in a Nonresidential Zoning District. Identify the location of these Nonresidential Zoning District sites, describe in detail these efforts, and explain in detail why these nonresidential sites were not feasible. Attach all studies or tests performed which demonstrate why the nonresidential sites will not provide sufficient signal coverage.
6. 
Provide a map showing the proposed provider's current coverage area for the City. The map must show the roadway network and be labeled. The Applicant must also provide propagation analysis showing the areas the proposed provider's existing Antenna currently covers, the areas the Applicant's existing sites and the requested site would cover. The propagation analysis must be labeled and have a legend.
7. 
Describe the Applicant's Master Antenna Facilities Plan for the City. Attach maps and other related documentation. Provide information indicating each phase of the plan.
8. 
Provide an independent engineer's certification that any proposed co-located tower will comply with ANSI and other industry safety and structural codes and standards.
9. 
Provide review and sign-off by Development Services Director regarding compliance with any applicable historic district provisions.
10. 
Provide documentation for the proposed site showing compliance with current zoning requirements and any other applicable codes for the City, as well as any applicable State laws.
11. 
Provide documentation of any necessary approvals from the State or other entities needed for the site.
B. 
Consideration of Application. In considering whether to grant an Antenna Location Waiver, the Board of Adjustment shall consider the following:
1. 
The appropriateness of the location and design of the Antenna Facility;
2. 
The potential for interference with the enjoyment of the use surrounding properties;
3. 
The proposed height of the Antenna Facility relative to surrounding structures;
4. 
The zoning district and the adjoining zoning districts of the property for which the Waiver is sought;
5. 
The recommendation of the Development Services Director;
6. 
The compliance with City regulations; and
7. 
The availability of suitable alternative sites.
a. 
Suitable alternative site(s) shall mean a location or locations that would provide the same or better signal coverage than the proposed site for which a Waiver is requested. The Applicant shall provide documentation supporting his contention that alternative site(s) are not suitable or available.
C. 
Procedures for Consideration of Antenna Location Waiver. The procedures for consideration of an Application for a Waiver requested under this section shall be in accordance with the procedures outlined in section 2.11.04, Zoning Special Exception.
(Ordinance 2017-13 adopted 10/2/2017; Ordinance 2025-47 adopted 10/8/2025)
Denial of an Application for an Antenna Location Waiver under this section must be documented in writing in accordance with the requirements of the orders of the Federal Communications Commission and the Telecommunications Act of 1996 as amended.
(Ordinance 2017-13 adopted 10/2/2017)
An Applicant may appeal the decision of the Board of Adjustment to the District Court by filing a written Notice of Appeal within ten (10) days following the date the City notifies the Applicant of the decision. A decision not timely appealed in accordance with this section shall be final.
(Ordinance 2017-13 adopted 10/2/2017)